SEATTLE -- After a deadly pedicab accident in 2008, there were calls for immediate changes to regulation to make them safer. But still nothing has happened.
Brad Drago is a Seattle pedicab driver.
"I'm my own boss, make my own hours, good money," he said.
So does Dan DeCordova, who'd like to see some safety and training regulation in his business.
"We're being forced to operate in a gray area, and screaming to come out into the light," Dan said.
These and other drivers have been pushing for uniform rules since the deadly accident at Western and Cedar in 2008 that was caused by bad brakes. But to this point almost two and a half years later, nothing has really changed.
Fred Podesta, Seattle's Director of Finance and Administrative Services, says the issue is complex.
"Day in, day out, there aren't a lot of problems," said Podesta. "We're still looking at what is the problem we're trying to solve, and what would the solutions look like, and how do you pay for that."
One hang up is whether the city should force drivers to have insurance. That's a clause backed by a Boston-based pedicab company, which just opened a branch in Seattle.
"There is not that much insurance out there for us," said DeCordova. He also worries extra fees of any sort could bring business to a halt.
Right now, Seattle only requires pedicab drivers to carry a business license. Not even a safety inspection is required.
